Be on your guard for bogus callers

Liz Gallacher

Police are warning elderly people in Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs to be on their guard after two pensioners - one 97-years-old - were targeted by bogus workers.

The incidents happened in Glasgow but officers said East Dunbartonshire is not immune, particularly at this time of the year.

The area has been frequently targeted in the past by bogus gardeners and workmen.

Detectives are continuing enquiries following the cowardly acts on two vulnerable people, which happened on Monday, June 20.

The first incident occurred around 2.30pm in Pollok. One man approached the home of a 97-year-old woman and said he was from the ‘Water Board’. The man requested access to her home. Once inside, officers believe another man then entered the property to search other rooms and stole a quantity of cash.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 5 inches in height, with a slim build and wearing a blue shirt, blue trousers and a baseball cap.

The second incident occurred later around 4.15pm when two men attended at the home of an 82-year-old man in Alness Crescent in Mosspark. The men claimed to be from the ‘Gas Board’ and requested entry into his home. Once they had gained access, one man distracted the householder while the other man searched the other rooms and stole a quantity of cash.

The men are described as white, they are between 5 ft 10 inches and 6 ft tall in height. They are described as around 40-50 years of age and spoke with an English accent. They were wearing blue boiler suits and baseball caps.

Officers are carrying out forensic examination at the properties and continuing to conduct door-to-door enquiries.

CCTV footage will also be examined in the hope that it provides additional information about the suspects.

Detective Constable Jonathan Leitch said: “These men are nothing but cowards. To prey on vulnerable people in their own homes is despicable, I don’t know how they live with themselves.

“I’m appealing to local people to contact us if they noticed anything suspicious or unusual. We are not ruling out the possibility that these incidents are linked, due to the locality and similar circumstances of gaining entry and all lines of enquiry will be followed up.

“In the meantime, I am appealing to anyone who may have any information or knowledge about the men or the incidents to contact us as soon as possible. Your information could help us identify the men responsible and prevent them from targeting vulnerable members of our community again.”

Anyone with information is asked to call officers at Pollok Police Office on the non-emergency number, 101. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

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